Pilatus PC-12
A final rule is in effect for some Pilatus aircraft. This amendment — which becomes effective May 12 — adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-12 and PC- 12/45 airplanes. This AD requires owners/operators to replace certain push switch caps on the electrical power management overhead panel with parts of improved design. The FAA advises this AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Switzerland. The agency claims actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the inability to operate the switch, which could result in failure to activate the related operational system. According to the Swiss report, such failure could adversely affect the operation and control of the airplane.
Eurocopter
The FAA has issued a supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on certain Eurocopter aircraft. This amendment revises an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS 365 N3 and EC 155B helicopters that would have revised the Airworthiness Limitations section of the maintenance manuals by establishing a new service life limit for the Fenestron pitch change control rod. According to the FAA, the proposal was prompted by a failure of a control rod on a prototype helicopter that led to a precautionary landing. This action revises the proposed rule by requiring replacement of the control rod with an improved reinforced steel airworthy control rod. The agency claims the actions specified by this proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of the control rod, loss of control of the tail rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Raytheon Hawker Jets
A final rule is in effect for some Raytheon Hawker jets. This amendment — which becomes effective May 8 — adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Raytheon Hawker jets, that requires inspection of the main landing gear (MLG) wheels to determine the part numbers of the tie-bolt nuts, and replacement of nuts that have the incorrect part number with nuts that have the correct part number. According to the FAA, the actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent separation of an MLG wheel due to loose or missing tie-bolts or tie-bolt nuts, with consequent damage to airplane structure or systems, decompression, loss of full braking ability, or injury to personnel on the ground. The agency claims this action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
